Head Substrate Isolation Layout for Accurate Heater Temperature Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid discharging devices face challenges in accurately detecting and evaluating the temperature of electrothermal conversion elements due to noise interference caused by fluctuations in power supply voltage.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a head substrate with electrothermal conversion elements, first and second switch elements, and a temperature detection element, where well layers are electrically isolated by a deep element isolation portion, reducing electrical interference and enhancing temperature detection accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a relatively large current is supplied to the electrothermal conversion elements to heat the liquid, then the liquid discharge capability is improved, but power supply voltage fluctuations occur as noise that degrades temperature detection accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid discharge capabilityVSAvoidtemperature detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electrical circuit into isolated units by providing separate well layers (first well layer and second well layer) for different circuit components. This segmentation prevents electrical noise from the high-power electrothermal conversion element circuit from coupling into the temperature detection circuit, allowing both high power operation and accurate temperature detection to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary structure (deep element isolation portion extending into the substrate) between the first well layer and second well layer to provide electrical isolation. This intermediary prevents direct electrical coupling between the noisy power circuit and the sensitive detection circuit, thereby reducing noise interference while maintaining functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the well layers are electrically isolated by a deep element isolation portion, then noise interference is reduced and temperature detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature detection accuracyVSAvoidisolation structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple isolation functions into a single integrated structure. The deep element isolation portion simultaneously provides electrical isolation between well layers, mechanical support, and stress management, reducing the need for additional separate isolation components and minimizing overall device complexity despite the enhanced isolation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from planar isolation to three-dimensional isolation by extending the element isolation portion vertically into the substrate. This dimensional change provides effective electrical isolation between well layers without requiring increased lateral space, thereby maintaining compact device geometry while achieving superior noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration allows for precise temperature detection and evaluation of electrothermal conversion elements, minimizing noise interference and improving the accuracy of liquid discharge control.

Implementation Method 1

an electrothermal conversion element configured to generate heat for causing liquid to be discharged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrothermal conversion: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a temperature detection element configured to detect a temperature of the electrothermal conversion element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature detection: Thermocouple

Data Source

PatentUS12565040B2Head substrate, liquid discharging head, and liquid discharging device
Publication Date: 2026.03.03 CANON KK
  • US12565040B2 patent drawing
  • US12565040B2 patent drawing
  • US12565040B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A head substrate provided on a liquid discharging head, comprising an electrothermal conversion element configured to generate heat for causing liquid to be discharged, one or more first switch elements configured to drive the electrothermal conversion element, a temperature detection element configured to detect a temperature of the electrothermal conversion element, and one or more second switch elements configured to control the temperature detection element, wherein a well layer that forms the first switch elements and a well layer that forms the second switch elements are electrically isolated by a deep element isolation portion formed to be deeper than the well layers.